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Top 10 Countdown: Ten IT Collisions

04/01/05

Rory J. Weaver

Rory J. Weaver is associate director of Networking and Computer Services, and
project manager, ERP, at Utah State University. During his 30-year career, Weaver
has worked both in higher education and at multinational companies including
IBM, WordPerfect, Novell, and Kronos. Weaver founded Professional Research Inc.,
a consulting and service enterprise focusing on human resource optimization,
and has presented at numerous professional conferences, including Educause,
CUMREC, WebDevShare, and SETA. In his work with USU’s ERP system, he leads
the team of IT professionals charged with implementing SCT Banner (www.sungardsct.com)
on campus. But he’ll tell you he’s really an interpreter between
“front office strategists” and “back office techies.”

“Ten IT Collisions and how to avoid them. Here, Utah State’s Rory Weaver gives us
an ERP project manager’s view of the intersection of people and process.

10. Opinion vs. Knowledge

Those most willing to venture an opinion are often those with the
least knowledge.

Make sure planning is based on real knowledge, not someone’s bias.

Include subject-matter experts in the early stages of planning.

9. Discussion vs. Communication

Consider: Is an application a computer program or a form to fill out?

Never assume that discussion participants understand each other.

Always clarify terminology, jargon and, especially, acronyms.

8. Supervision vs. Accountability

Exhibit excellence in your instructions and you’ll get excellence
in response.

Anyone included in decisions will share ownership and accountability
for outcomes.